Banana-Walnut Quick Bread

Over the past few years, quick breads have morphed into sticky-sweet loaf cakes. Gobs of butter, tons of sugar, chocolate chips, icing — what happened to the homey, simple quick breads of old? Well, they’re back. This one, just sweet enough, is made with whole grains, fruit, and nuts that add up to a nutritious breakfast or snacking bread.

Spoon batter into loaf pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out of pan onto wire rack to cool completely.

Round Out the Meal
For breakfast or a snack serve with a smear of Neufchatel cream cheese, a topping of apple or prune butter, and a mug of tea.

Healthy Cooking Tip

The modest amount of chopped walnuts in this bread is complemented with toasted rolled oats, which contribute their own nutlike flavor and coarse texture.

Nutritional Information(per serving)

Calories: 194

Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 0.5g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 288mg

Carbs: 34g

Protein: 4g

Fiber: 2g

Bananas are an important source of potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure levels and heart function. Bananas average 467 mg of potassium–no wonder they help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The fiber in this fruit also helps prevent heart disease.